Making mines safer and more productive has long been the strategic intention of mine automation, and surface drill rigs are now part of this technological evolution. According to Kabelo Nkoana, Business Line Manager for Automation and Digitisation at Sandvik Southern Africa, AutoMine® is available for Sandvik i-Series models in the company’s intelligent range of down-the-hole top hammer and rotary blast hole drill rigs. Mining customers in southern Africa have been embracing the functionality, and reporting positive results. “Sandvik AutoMine® system essentially replicates the machine control system to enable remote automation over the mine’s Wi-Fi network,” he says. “There is an awareness that safety could be compromised when rigs are operating close to a highwall, or when there are unstable geological conditions on the bench. Automating a drill rig in these conditions is an important contributor to safety.” Surface drills Sandvik’s i-Series machines come standard with features such as the onboard data collection unit technology for engine operation and other major components. Various operational and machine health data from the sensors are collected in the OEM’s Knowledge Box, and transmitted to cloud storage for analysis and real time reporting to support informed and accurate decision making. This creates the foundation for the automation process, which also enhances reliability and performance.
With its solid technical expertise and market experience in dewatering, slurry and sludge pumping solutions, Integrated Pump Technology has proved its capacity to support the highest quality pump brands.
Its offering recently grew from its established range of Grindex and Faggiolati submersible pumps to include the well-respected Godwin range of diesel driven pumps. Justin Bawden, Key Accounts Manager at Jet Park-based Integrated Pump Technology, explains that this adds considerable value to customers – as the pumping business is all about matching the right pump to each specific duty and application.
Expanding range
“The Godwin range of diesel powered pumps is a great boost for customers wanting to deploy a robust pumping solution in locations where electricity is not available,” says Bawden. “As important as the quality of these pumps, though, is our ability to support them to the demanding standards set by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).”
To service its submersible and diesel driven ranges of pumps, Integrated Pump Technology boasts a modern technical workshop and warehouse which ensures that customers experience quick access to the equipment, servicing and spare parts they need. He highlights that the company’s active network of distributors around southern Africa visit customers regularly to offer support and technical advice.